Newcastle United expect long layoff for injured Papiss Cissé

Papiss Cissé has only managed two Premier League goals this season as Newcastle have struggled. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

The Newcastle United striker Papiss Cissé is expected to be out for several months after having surgery on his broken kneecap on Thursday.

The Senegal international, 28, was injured in Newcastle's 2-1 defeat to Swansea City on 19 April.

"Newcastle United can confirm that striker Papiss Cissé underwent an operation on a fractured patella on Thursday," read a club statement.

"The Senegalese forward suffered the injury during the Magpies' home game against Swansea City last month, and travelled to Paris for the operation earlier this week.

Cissé, aged 28, will spend his rehabilitation period at the Clairefontaine Medical Centre before returning to Tyneside to be further assessed by the Club's medical staff. He is expected to be sidelined for a number of months."

Cissé has struggled for form this season, having found the net just twice in 24 appearances.